Portable wireless remote control unit for use with zoned HVAC system

ABSTRACT

An HVAC remote control unit for use in an HVAC system is described. In some instances, an HVAC remote control unit may be provided that wirelessly communicates with two or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices in a zoned HVAC system. When so provided, the remote control unit may be configured to allow a user to select between two or more zones of the zoned HVAC system, and to load one or more of the parameters and/or settings associated with a selected zone via the wireless interface. The remote control unit may be further configured to display at least one of the received parameters and/or settings on a display of the remote control unit, and a user may be allowed to change one or more of the parameters and/or settings that are displayed on the display for a selected zone. The zoned HVAC system may subsequently operate in accordance with the one or more changed parameters and/or settings in the selected zone. In some cases, it is contemplated that the remote control unit may be configured to dynamically change its behavior based on whether a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system is detected. In some instances, most or all functionality of the HVAC remote control unit may be accessible from a single menu level without having to access a sub-menu, but this is not required in all embodiments.

This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/991,674 filed Nov. 30, 2007, entitled “REMOTE CONTROL UNITFOR HVAC SYSTEM”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to HVAC controllers for controllingHVAC systems, and more particularly, to HVAC control systems thatinclude an HVAC remote control unit.

BACKGROUND

Heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems are oftenused to control the comfort level within a building or other structure.Many HVAC controllers include a controller that activates anddeactivates one or more HVAC components of the HVAC system to affect andcontrol one or more environmental conditions within the building. Theseenvironmental conditions can include, but are not limited to,temperature, humidity, and/or ventilation.

In some but not all cases, the HVAC controllers are embodied in athermostat that is mounted to a wall or the like within a building. Atypical thermostat includes a local temperature sensor, and/or in somecases, accesses other sensors such as one or more remote temperaturesensors. The sensors are used to sense one or more environmentalconditions of the inside space, and provide a measure of the sensedenvironmental condition to the HVAC controller. The HVAC controller mayuse the measure provided by the sensor to control the one or more HVACcomponents to achieve desired programmed or set environmentalconditions. In many cases, the sensors are provided within the housingof the HVAC controller itself, which is typically mounted at or near thewalls of the building, and/or the sensors are mounted at particularfixed locations within the building, which are also typically located ator near the walls of the building. In some cases, the environmentalconditions at or near the walls of the building can be different fromthe environmental conditions away from the walls. As such, theenvironmental conditions sensed by the sensors sometimes do notaccurately represent the actual environmental conditions felt by theoccupants of the building.

HVAC controllers often have a user interface that can be used to programor otherwise operate the HVAC controller. By interacting with the userinterface, the user may, for example, change a set point, program aschedule, enable or disable certain HVAC components, and/or perform someother action or tasks. In order to interact with the user interface, theuser must typically physically walk over to the HVAC controller. Inzoned systems, which typically include a plurality of HVAC controllers,the user must typically often walk over and interact with each HVACcontroller where changes are desired.

SUMMARY

This disclosure generally relates to HVAC controllers for controllingHVAC systems, and more particularly, to HVAC control systems thatinclude an HVAC remote control unit. In some instances, an HVAC remotecontrol unit may be provided that wirelessly communicates with two ormore HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices in a zoned HVAC system.When so provided, the remote control unit may be configured to allow auser to select between two or more zones of the zoned HVAC system, andto load one or more of the parameters and/or settings associated with aselected zone via the wireless interface. The remote control unit may befurther configured to display at least one of the received parametersand/or settings on a display of the remote control unit. In some cases,the remote control unit may be configured to allow a user to change oneor more of the parameters and/or settings that are displayed on thedisplay for a selected zone, and to send the one or more changedparameters and/or settings to the zoned HVAC system via the wirelessinterface, wherein the zoned HVAC system may subsequently operate inaccordance with the one or more changed parameters and/or settings inthe selected zone. In some cases, the remote control unit may beconfigured to automatically select one of the two or more HVACcontrollers of the zoned HVAC system based on a current proximity of thewireless remote control unit to each of the two or more HVACcontrollers. Alternatively, or in addition, it is contemplated that theremote control unit may be configured to dynamically change its behaviorbased on whether a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system is detected. In someinstances, most or all functionality of the HVAC remote control unit maybe accessible from a single menu level without having to access asub-menu, but this is not required in all embodiments.

The preceding summary is provided to facilitate a general understandingof some of the innovative features unique to the present disclosure andis not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of thedisclosure can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims,drawings, and abstract as a whole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various illustrative embodiments ofthe invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a building or other structure with anillustrative heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system;

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an illustrative HVAC remote controllerthat may be used in conjunction with the HVAC system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative HVAC remote controller;and

FIGS. 3-16 are pictorial views showing illustrative screens that may bedisplayed on the HVAC remote controllers of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawingswherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout theseveral views. The detailed description and drawings show severalembodiments which are meant to be illustrative of the claimed invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a building or other structure having anillustrative heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.While FIG. 1 shows a typical force air type HVAC system, other types ofHVAC systems may be used including hydronic systems, boiler systems,radiant heating systems, electric heating systems, or any other suitabletype of HVAC system, as desired. The HVAC system of FIG. 1 includes oneor more HVAC components 2, a system of vents or ductwork 4 and 6, andone or more HVAC controllers 8. The one or more HVAC components 2 mayinclude, but are not limited to, a furnace, a boiler, a heat pump, anelectric heating unit, an air conditioning unit, a humidifier, adehumidifier, an air exchanger, an air cleaner, and/or the like.

In the illustrative HVAC system shown in FIG. 1, the one or more HVACcomponents 2 can provide heated air (and/or cooled air) via the ductworkthroughout the building or other structure. As illustrated, the one ormore HVAC components 2 may be in fluid communication with every roomand/or zone in the building or other structure via the ductwork 4 and 6.In operation, when a heat call signal is provided by one or more of theHVAC controllers 8, one or more HVAC components 2 (e.g. forced warm airfurnace) may be activated to supply heated air to one or more roomsand/or zones within the building or other structure via supply air ducts4. The heated air may be forced through supply air duct 4 by a blower orfan 9. In this example, the cooler air from each zone may be returned tothe one or more HVAC components 2 (e.g. forced warm air furnace) forheating via return air ducts 6. Similarly, when a cool call signal isprovided by one or more of the HVAC controllers 8, the one or more HVACcomponents 2 (e.g. air conditioning unit) may be activated to supplycooled air to one or more rooms and/or zones within the building orother structure via supply air ducts 4. The cooled air may be forcedthrough supply air duct 4 by the blower or fan 9. In this example, thewarmer air from each zone may be returned to the one or more HVACcomponents 2 (e.g. air conditioning unit) for cooling via return airducts 6.

In some cases, the system of vents or ductwork 4 and 6 can include oneor more dampers 11 to regulate the flow of air. For example, one or moredampers 11 may be coupled to one or more of the HVAC controllers 8 andcan be coordinated with the operation of one or more HVAC components 2.The one or more HVAC controllers 8 may actuate dampers 11 to an openposition, a closed position, and/or a partially open position tomodulate the flow of air from the one or more HVAC components 2 to anappropriate room and/or zone in the building or other structure. Thedampers 11 may be particularly useful in zoned HVAC systems, and may beused to control which zone(s) receives conditioned air from the HVACcomponents 2.

It is contemplated that the one or more HVAC controllers 8 may beconfigured to control the comfort level of the building or structure byactivating and deactivating the one or more HVAC components 2. In somecases, the one or more HVAC controllers 8 may be thermostats, such as,for example, wall mountable thermostat, but this is not required in allembodiments. In some embodiments, the HVAC controllers 8 may be zonecontrollers, each controlling the comfort level within a particular zonein the building or other structure. Some contemplated HVAC controllersinclude that disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/991,626, titled “HVAC CONTROLLER”, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIG. 1, an HVAC remote controller 10 may also be provided.In some cases, the HVAC remote controller 10 may be operativelyconnected in any suitable manner to one or more of the HVAC controllers8 (e.g. one or more HVAC thermostats and/or one or more HVAC zonecontrollers) to provide remote temperature sensing and/or parametersetting control for the one or more HVAC controllers 8. In some cases,the HVAC remote controller 10 may be wirelessly connected to one or moreof the HVAC controllers 8. The HVAC remote controller 10 may be aportable remote control unit that may allow a user to view, displayand/or change one or more parameters of the corresponding HVACcontrollers 8 and/or HVAC remote controller 10. The HVAC remotecontroller 10 may be movable by the user between multiple locationswithin the building or other structure. For example, in a residentialbuilding, the HVAC remote controller 10 may be movable between a livingroom, a kitchen, a den, a bedroom, and/or any other location in thebuilding. When provided with a temperature sensor, the HVAC remotecontroller 10 may sense an ambient temperature proximate to the HVACremote controller 10 and, in some cases, relay the temperature to anappropriate HVAC controller 8. In some cases, the appropriate HVACcontroller 8 may use the temperature sensed by the HVAC remotecontroller 10 to control the comfort level of the building or structureby issuing appropriate commands to the HVAC equipment 2.

In a zoned HVAC system, there may be more than one HVAC controller 8 (orzone controllers), each controlling a corresponding zone within thebuilding or other structure. When so provided, it is contemplated thatthe HVAC remote controller 10 may be operatively coupled to each of theHVAC controllers 8, either simultaneously, sequentially or by userselection. In some cases, the HVAC remote controller 10 may beconfigured to automatically or manually detect the number of zoned HVACcontrollers 8 in the zoned HVAC system. For example, the HVAC remotecontroller 10 may be configured to automatically detect and establishcommunication with each of the zoned HVAC controllers 8, eithersimultaneously, sequentially or by user selection. Once connected, theHVAC remote controller 10 may be used to provide remote temperaturesensing and/or parameter or setting control for the corresponding zonedHVAC controller 8. In some cases, the HVAC remote controller 10 maydynamically change its behavior based on whether it detects a non-zonedor a zone system. For example, when a zoned system is detected, the HVACremote controller 10 may automatically provide a selection mechanism onthe user interface of the HVAC remote controller 10 that allows a userto select, display and/or control parameters and/or settings of an HVACcontroller 8 that corresponds to a selected zone in the building orother structure. When a non-zoned system is detected, the zone selectionmechanism may not be provided on the display.

Rather than establishing communication with the HVAC controllers 8, andthen have the HVAC controllers 8 issue commands or calls to the HVACcomponents 2, it is contemplated that the HVAC remote controller 10 mayissue commands or calls directly to the HVAC components 2, typicallyacross a wireless interface.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an illustrative HVAC remote controller 10that may be used in conjunction with the HVAC system of FIG. 1. In theillustrative embodiment, the HVAC remote controller 10 includes acontrol module 12, a wireless interface 14, a user interface 16, and oneor more sensors 18. In some cases, the one or more sensors 18 mayinclude a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a ventilation sensor,an air quality sensor, and/or any other suitable HVAC building controlsystem sensor, as desired. The temperature sensor may be provided tosense the temperature proximate the HVAC remote controller 10. Thehumidity sensor may be provided to sense the humidity proximate the HVACremote controller 10. The ventilation sensor may be provided to sensethe ventilation proximate the HVAC remote controller 10. As illustrated,the one or more sensors 18 may be included with the HVAC remotecontroller 10, such as within a housing (shown in FIG. 2) of HVAC remotecontroller 10. However, it is contemplated that one or more sensors 18may be located remote from the HVAC controller 10, but in communicationtherewith, if desired.

Control module 12 of HVAC remote controller 10 may be configured to helpcontrol the comfort level (i.e. heating, cooling, ventilation, airquality, etc.) of at least a portion of the building or structure bycontrolling whether one or more HVAC components 2 of HVAC equipment areactivated. In some instances, control module 12 may include a processor20 and a memory 22. Control module 12 may be configured to controland/or set one or more HVAC functions, such as, for example, HVACschedules, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, trend logs,timers, environment sensing, and/or other HVAC functions or programs, asdesired. In some cases, control module 12 may be configured to remotelyconfigure the one or more settings of the HVAC controller, such as, forexample, HVAC controller schedules, temperature setpoints, humiditysetpoints, trend logs, timers, environment sensing, HVAC controllerprograms, user preferences, and/or other HVAC controller settings, asdesired. In the illustrative embodiment, control module 12 may helpcontrol the comfort level of at least a portion of the building orstructure using the temperature sensed by temperature sensor of the oneor more sensors 18, when provided.

Memory 22 may be used to store any desired information, such as theaforementioned HVAC schedules, temperature setpoints, humiditysetpoints, trend logs, timers, environmental settings, and any othersettings and/or information as desired. Control module 12 may storeinformation within memory 22 and may subsequently retrieve the storedinformation. Memory 22 may include any suitable type of memory, such as,for example, random-access memory (RAM), read-only member (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Flashmemory, or any other suitable memory, as desired.

Wireless interface 14 of the HVAC remote controller 10 may be configuredto wirelessly communicate (i.e. transmit and/or receive signals) with awireless interface of one or more HVAC controllers 8 (and/or HVACcomponents 2). For example, wireless interface 14 may be configured tocommunicate with a wireless interface of HVAC controllers 8 (see FIG. 1)to send and/or receive signals that corresponding to, for example, atemperature sensed by temperature sensor, a humidity sensed by thehumidity sensor, heat and/or cool set points, ventilation settings,indoor and/or outdoor air temperatures, equipment status, scheduling,trend logs, and/or any other suitable information and/or data. It iscontemplated that the wireless interface 14 may include, for example, aradio frequency (RF) wireless interface, an infrared wireless interface,a microwave wireless interface, an optical interface, and/or any othersuitable wireless interface, as desired.

User interface 14 may be any suitable interface that is configured todisplay and/or solicit information as well as permit a user to enterdata and/or other settings, as desired. In some cases, user interface 16of the HVAC remote controller 10 may allow a user or technician toprogram and/or modify one or more control parameters of HVAC remotecontroller 10, such as programming, set point, time, equipment statusand/or parameters, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, userinterface 16 may allow a user or technician to program and/or modify oneor more control parameters of the HVAC controller 8. In some instances,the user interface 16 may include a touch screen, a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) panel and keypad, a dot matrix display, a computer,buttons and/or any other suitable interface, as desired. In oneillustrative embodiment, at least some of the parameters and/or settingsmay be transmitted to a HVAC controller 8 via wireless interface 14.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative HVAC remote controller24. In some instances, HVAC remote controller 24 may represent amanifestation of HVAC remote controller 10 of FIGS. 1 and 1A, but thisis not required. The illustrative HVAC remote controller 24 includes adisplay 42 that is disposed within a housing 28. In some cases, display42 may be at least a portion of the user interface of the HVAC remotecontroller 24. Display 42 may be a touch screen display, a liquidcrystal display (LCD) panel, a dot matrix display, a fixed segmentdisplay, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or any other suitable display, asdesired. A dot matrix display is a typically a LCD display that permitsimages such as letters, numbers, graphics, and the like to be displayedanywhere on the LCD, rather than being confined to predeterminedlocations such as is the case with a fixed segment LCD. Housing 28 maybe formed of any suitable material, such as a polymeric, metallic, orany other material, as desired. In some cases, the display 42 may beeither inset or recessed within the housing 28 as shown.

The HVAC remote controller 24 may be configured to provide substantialdisplay and/or programming functionality. FIGS. 3 through 16 provideexamples of screens that may be displayed by HVAC remote controller 24during operation. In some cases, the screens may include a home screenthat can be displayed by HVAC remote controller 24 as a default screen,when no other data entry is underway, and/or when selected by the user.A home screen may, if desired, display one or more parameters relatingto environmental conditions such as indoor and/or outdoor temperatureand/or humidity, expected weather conditions, set points, time,equipment status, and/or any other suitable parameter or setting, asdesired. In some cases, the home screen may vary depending on the HVACsystem that the HVAC remote controller 24 is operatively engaged inhelping to control (e.g. zone HVAC system, non-zoned HVAC system,programmable HVAC controller, non-programmable HVAC controller, etc.).

In some instances, the home screen may allow many or all of the usersettings of the HVAC remote controller 24 to be viewed and controlled,without having to access sub-menus. In one illustrative embodiment, allsettings (other than installer setup settings) may be accessed andcontrolled in a single menu level or screen (e.g. the home screen).These settings may include, for example, system setting (e.g. heat,cool, off), set point(s), zone selection, clock, indoor temperature,outdoor temperature, etc. It is contemplated that this may beaccomplished even when the display 42 is a fixed segment LCD display. Inone example, a HVAC remote controller may display a home screen that canbe used to change an HVAC system setting (e.g. heat, cool, off), a setpoint temperature, and a hold setting without having to access asub-menu. The example home screen may also allow a user to: changewhether the HVAC system uses a temperature sensed by the HVAC remotecontrol unit or a separate thermostat; select between two or more zoneswhen the HVAC system is a zoned HVAC system; and/or display one or moretemperature readings (e.g. indoor temperature reading and/or outdoortemperature reading), without having to access a sub-menu. In somecases, less used settings, such as installer setup settings, may beprovided in one or more sub-menus or other menus, if desired. In otherembodiments, at least some of the settings for the main userfunctionality of the HVAC remote controller 24 may also be incorporatedinto one or more sub-menus, if desired.

FIGS. 3-16 are pictorial views showing some illustrative screens thatmay be displayed on the display 42 of the HVAC remote controller 24 ofFIG. 2. In the illustrative embodiment, HVAC remote controller 24 may beconfigured to display information about one or more HVAC controlparameters on at least a portion of a touch screen display 42. In somecases, and as discussed above, remote controller touch screen display42, which may be at least part of the user interface, may include an LCDtouch screen display configured to display and/or allow a user to modifyone or more parameters or settings. The parameters viewed and/or changesmade using touch screen display 42 may be transmitted to and/or receivedfrom an HVAC controller 8. Some examples of suitable touch screensinclude resistive, capacitive, infrared or surface acoustic wave (SAW)type touch screens. As illustrated, the touch screen display 42 may be afixed segment display. However, this is not meant to be limiting in anymanner and it is contemplated that the touch screen display 42 may beany suitable display, such as, for example, a dot matrix display.

In the illustrative embodiment, touch screen display 42 may beconfigured to have a screen 30 that provides the user with informationabout the operational status of the HVAC controller 8 and/or HVAC remotecontroller 24. This information may include, for example, the currentinside temperature 48, the current outside temperature 46, the currenttime 44, the current heat and/or cool set point 50, as well as otheroperational parameters and/or information as desired. By pressingvarious icon buttons on the touch screen display 42, the HVAC remotecontroller 24 can be configured to access and/or modify variousoperational settings of the HVAC controller 8 and/or HVAC remotecontroller 24. For example, the user may use the touch screen display 42to adjust the current temperature or humidity setpoints, change theclock or date settings of the HVAC controller 8 and/or HVAC remotecontroller 24, change the operational status of the HVAC controller 8and/or HVAC remote controller 24 (i.e. heat 32, cool 34, off 36), etc.

Although not expressly shown, in some cases, the touch screen display 42may be configured to display the humidity level on a portion of screen30. In this case, touch screen display 42 may be configured to displaythe outdoor humidity level and/or indoor humidity level, as desired. Inone example, touch screen display 42 may be configured to display theoutdoor humidity level when the user touches the touch screen displayadjacent to the current outside temperature 46. In another example,touch screen display 42 may be configured to display the inside humiditylevel when the user touches the touch screen display adjacent to thecurrent inside temperature 48. In some cases, the inside and/or outsidehumidity levels may be displayed for a period of time or, in othercases, may be displayed until the user touches the touch screen display42 adjacent to the current inside temperature 48 and/or the currentoutside temperature 42, respectively. However, it is contemplated thatany suitable method of displaying the outside and/or inside humiditylevels may be used, as desired.

The touch screen display 42 may indicate and/or allow a user to setwhich temperature sensor (e.g. temperature sensor of the HVAC remotecontroller 10 of FIG. 1A, or a temperature sensor of the HVAC controller8) is currently being used to control the comfort level of the buildingor other structure. For example, touch screen display 42 may include anicon 38 for indicating when the temperature sensor of the HVACcontroller 8 is currently controlling, and an icon 40 for indicatingwhen the temperature sensor of the HVAC remote controller 10 of FIG. 1A(or HVAC remote controller 24) is controlling (e.g. this device).

As illustrated, the touch screen display 42 may simultaneously displayan icon for each option that a user may wish to select. For example,touch screen display 42 may include icons 32, 34, and 36, correspondingto the heat mode, cool mode, and off mode, respectively, of the HVACcontroller 8, and icons 38 and 40 for indicating which device's sensedtemperature (e.g. the HVAC controller 8 or the HVAC remote controller10), respectively, is currently being used to control the comfort levelof the building or other structure. To indicate which option iscurrently selected, the icon corresponding to the selected option mayinclude a bold outline, as illustrated by bold outline around icon 38and icon 32, and/or a dot or other marker provided within or proximatethe outline of the icon, as illustrated by the dot in the relative topleft corner of icon 38 and icon 32. It is contemplated that the optionthat is currently selected may include a different border, behighlighted, grayed out, or otherwise indicated in any suitable visuallydiscernable manner, as desired. In some cases, a user may be able totouch the area of the touch screen display 42 that corresponds to icon32, 34, or 36 to manually select and switch the operation status of theHVAC controller 8, or the area of touch screen display 42 correspondingto icon 38 or 40 to manually select and switch which device's sensedtemperature is currently being used to control the comfort level withinthe building or other structure.

In some embodiments, HVAC remote controller 24 may include a backlightoperation to illuminate at least a portion of touch screen display 42.In some cases, the backlight may be configured to illuminate touchscreen display 42 when the user touches a portion of the touch screendisplay 42. In one example, the backlight may be configured toilluminate the touch screen display 42 for a period of time, such as,for example, one second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds, fiveseconds, ten seconds, or any other suitable period of time, as desired.In this case, the period of time may be reset each time the user touchesthe touch screen display 42. Additionally, the illustrative HVAC remotecontroller 24 may include one or more backlight operation settings, suchas, for example, the brightness, the length of time to illuminate thetouch screen display 42 after a touch, and/or any other suitablebacklight setting, as desired.

In some cases, the HVAC remote controller 24 may be configured toactivate the backlight to illuminate the touch screen display 42 whenthe user touches any portion of the touch screen display 42. However, inother cases, the HVAC remote controller 24 may be configured toilluminate the touch screen display 42 only when a predetermined portionof the touch screen display 42 is touched, such as, for example, thecorners of the touch screen display 42, a portion of the touch screendisplay 42 that does not correspond to any icon, or any other suitableportion, as desired. In another illustrative case, the HVAC remotecontroller 24 may be configured to include a button to activate and/ordeactivate the backlight display on the housing 28 of the HVAC remotecontroller 24, but this is not required.

In one example, the touch screen display 42 may be configured toilluminate the backlight when the user touches the touch screen display42. When the touch screen display 42 is illuminated, the user may thenbe able to view, control, and/or adjust the one or more parameters ofthe HVAC remote controller 24. In this example, the HVAC remotecontroller 24 may be configured to prevent any parameter or settingchanges to the HVAC remote controller 24 when the touch screen display42 is not illuminated by the backlight, but this is not required.

In FIG. 3A, the screen 30 may correspond to a home screen for the HVACremote controller 24. In some cases, screen 30 may represent a homescreen when, for example, the HVAC remote controller 24 is operativelycoupled to a programmable HVAC controller 8 in a non-zoned HVAC system.As discussed previously, screen 30 of the touch screen display 42 mayprovide HVAC operational status, such as, the current inside temperature48, the current outside temperature 46, the current time 44, and thecurrent heat and/or cool set point 50. Also, as discussed previously,screen 30 may indicate which device's temperature sensor is currentlybeing used to control the comfort level within the building or otherstructure. In addition, screen 30 may provide the operational status ofthe HVAC control system (e.g. heat, cool, off, etc.). As illustrated,touch screen display 42 may include an icon 32 for indicating when theHVAC controller 8 is in heat mode, an icon 34 for indicating when theHVAC controller 8 is in cool mode, and an icon 36 for indicating whenthe HVAC controller 8 is in an off mode. As illustrated by the boldoutline of icon 32 and the dot in icon 32, the operational status of theHVAC controller 8 is shown to be in the heat mode. In some cases, a usermay be able to touch the area of the touch screen display 42corresponding to icon 32, 34, or 36 to manually switch the operationalstatus of the HVAC controller 8, if desired. If a user manually changesthe operational status of the HVAC controller to the off mode or thecool mode, screen 30 may change to either screen 52 or 54, shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C, respectively.

In the illustrative embodiment, the set point shown as the current heatand/or cool set point 50 may be changed by touching the region of thetouch screen display 42 that corresponds to the up arrow and/or the downarrow shown above and below the heat and/or cool set point 50. If theset point is changed, the touch screen display 42 may display, forexample, screen 92 shown in FIG. 8A.

In some cases, the illustrative HVAC remote controller 24 may beconfigured to include an auto operational mode. In one example, the automode may be set, or switched to, by touching the touch screen display 42corresponding to both icon 32 and icon 34 simultaneously. In some cases,the touch may have to last for a period of time, but this is notrequired. If the operational mode is switched to auto mode, the touchscreen display 42 may display screen 142 shown in FIG. 11A.Alternatively, it is contemplated that a separate “auto” mode button maybe provided on the touch screen display 42, which can then be directlyselected by the user.

In some cases, the HVAC remote controller 24 may be configured to detecta power level, such as, for example, a remaining battery power level. Ifthe remaining battery power level detected by the HVAC remote controller24 is less than a threshold level, in some cases, the touch screendisplay 42 may display screen 76 or 80 shown in FIG. 6A or 6B,respectively, which displays a “Replace Battery” indicator.

In the illustrative embodiment, the HVAC remote controller may beconfigured to wirelessly communication with one or more HVAC controllers8 and/or HVAC components 2. In some cases, it is contemplated that thewireless communication signal, such as, for example, a radio frequency(RF) signal, may be lost at least temporarily. In this case, when thecommunication signal is lost, the touch screen display 42 may displayscreen 174 and/or 178 of FIGS. 14A and 14B, respectively.

FIG. 3B shows an illustrative screen 52 that may be displayed on thetouch screen display 42 when the operational status of the HVACcontroller is turned to the off mode. As illustrated, screen 52 may besimilar to screen 30 shown in FIG. 3A, providing parameters such as, thecurrent inside temperature 48, the current outside temperature 46, thecurrent time 44, the controlling device (e.g. which temperature sensoris currently being used to control the comfort level of the building orother structure), and the operational status of the HVAC control system(e.g. heat, cool, off). However, in screen 52 as opposed to screen 30,icon 36 corresponding to the off mode, may include a bold outline and/ordot, or may include a different border, be highlighted, grayed out, orotherwise indicate that the HVAC controller is set to the off mode. Inaddition, because the HVAC controller is in the off mode, the currentheat and/or cool set point, shown as 50 of FIG. 3A, may be removed fromscreen 52.

FIG. 3C shows an illustrative screen 54 of touch screen display 42 whenthe operational status of the HVAC controller is turned to cool mode. Asillustrated, screen 54 may be similar to screen 30 and 52 shown in FIGS.3A and 3B, respectively, providing parameters, such as, the currentinside temperature 48, the current outside temperature 46, the currenttime 44, the controlling device (e.g. which temperature sensor iscurrently being used to control the comfort level of the building orother structure), and the operational status of the HVAC control system(e.g. heat, cool, off). In screen 54, and in contrast to screens 30 and52, the icon 34 corresponding to the cool mode may include a boldoutline and/or dot, may include a different border, may be highlighted,grayed out, or otherwise indicated that the HVAC controller is set tothe cool mode. Similar to screen 30 of FIG. 3A and in contrast to screen52 of FIG. 3B, the current heat and/or cool set point, shown at 50 maybe provided on the screen 54.

FIGS. 4A-4D are pictorial views showing illustrative screens 56, 66, 68,and 72 that may be displayed on the illustrative HVAC remote controllertouch screen display 42 for setting/changing zones, when present. In theillustrative embodiment, the HVAC remote controller 24 may be used in amulti-thermostat building control system and/or a zoned HVAC controlsystem. In some cases, illustrative screen 56 shown in FIG. 4A may beused as a home screen for a zoned HVAC system, but this is not required.

Screen 56 provides parameters related to HVAC operational statusincluding, for example, the current inside temperature 48, the currentoutside temperature 46, the current time 44, and the current heat and/orcool set point 50. In addition, screen 56 may provide the operationalstatus of the HVAC control system. As illustrated, touch screen display42 may include an icon 32 for indicating when the HVAC controller is inheat mode, an icon 34 for indicating when the HVAC controller is in coolmode, and an icon 36 for indicating when the HVAC control is off. Asdescribed above, to indicate the current operational status, the iconthat corresponds to the current operational status of the HVAC systemmay include a bold outline, as illustrated by bold outline around icon32, and/or a dot within the icon, or may include a different border, maybe highlighted, grayed out, or otherwise differentiated from the otheroperational status icons. In some cases, a user may be able to touch thearea of the touch screen display 42 corresponding to icon 32, 34, or 36to manually switch the operational status of the HVAC system. Althoughnot expressly shown, it is contemplated that screen 56 may include anindication of which device (e.g. which temperature sensor is currentlybeing used to control the comfort level of the building or otherstructure) is controlling the HVAC controller, if desired.

In the illustrative embodiment, screen 56 may include an HVAC zonenavigation area 58 for indicating and/or navigating through the variouszones of the building or other structure. As illustrated, the navigationarea 58 may include a room indicator 64 and two directional arrows,shown as icons 60 and 62, for scrolling or toggling through the one ormore available zones in the building or other structure. In theillustrative screen 56, the HVAC remote controller 24 is currentlyidentifying the “LIVING ROOM” zone, as shown by room indicator 64. Inthis case, the HVAC remote controller 24 may display, set and/or controlparameters related to the living room zone of the building or otherstructure. To navigate to a different zone of the building or otherstructure, a user may touch the left directional arrow icon 60 or rightdirectional arrow icon 62. Touching the icons 60 or 62 may scroll ortoggle through the available zones in the building or other structure.

When the left directional arrow icon 60 or the right directional arrowicon 62 is touched, the touch screen display 42 may switch from screen56 to screen 66, shown in FIG. 4B. As illustrated in screen 66, the HVACoperational status, such as, the current inside temperature 48, thecurrent outside temperature 46, the current time 44, the current heatand/or cool set point 50, and the current operational status (e.g. heat32, cool 34, and off 36) may be removed from screen 66, but this is notrequired. As illustrated, the room indicator 64 display may change fromthe “LIVING ROOM” zone to a “BEDROOM 1” zone. It is contemplated thatthe room indicator 64 may correspond to any number of rooms, such as,for example, “KITCHEN”, “DEN”, “FAMILY ROOM”, “BASEMENT”, “BEDROOM 2”,“BEDROOM 3”, “BEDROOM 4”, “BATHROOM”, “DINING ROOM”, “STUDY”, or anyother suitable zone, as desired. Multiple touches of the icons 60 and/or62 may cause the room indicator 64 to display a third zone, a fourthzone, a fifth zone, and so on to scroll or toggle through the availablezones.

In some cases, if the touch screen display 42 does not register a touchwithin a predetermined time period, the zone identified by roomindicator 64 may be selected and the HVAC remote controller 24 maydisplay screen 68 on the touch screen display as shown in FIG. 4C. Inone example, the predetermined time may be about 1.5 seconds. However,it is contemplated that any predetermined time may be used, such as, forexample, one second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds, fiveseconds, ten seconds, or any other amount of time, as desired.Additionally or alternatively, screen 66 may include an icon (not shown)that the user may touch to indicate that the user is done. For example,screen 66 may include a “Done” icon and, in some cases, a “Cancel” iconto cancel the change, if desired.

As illustrated, screen 68 shown in FIG. 4C may display a loadingindicator 70, or activity indicator, along with the room indicator 64,indicating that the currently selected zone is being loaded onto theHVAC remote controller 24. In some cases, loading indicator 70 mayinclude the text “loading” and/or may include a status progress bar,and/or may include any other suitable mechanism for indicating that thecurrently selected zone is being loaded. In some cases, the loadingindicator 70 and/or progress bar may indicate to a user that the HVACremote controller 24 is busy, such as, for example, attempting toestablish a wireless communication with the HVAC controller 8. In theillustrative screen 68, “BEDROOM 1” is displayed indicating that theHVAC remote controller 24 is switching to the BEDROOM 1 zone. Whenscreen 68 is displayed, the HVAC remote controller 24 is attempting towirelessly communicate with the HVAC controller 8 of the selected zone,which, in some cases, may be through RF or other signals. If parametersrelated to the desired zone are successfully loaded, screen 72, shown inFIG. 4D, may be displayed on the touch screen display 42.

In some cases, the HVAC remote controller 24 may provide for apredetermined loading period of time. In this case, if the HVAC remotecontroller 24 successfully establishes communication and successfullyloads the parameters for the selected zone, screen 72 may be displayed.If, however, communication cannot be established between the HVAC remotecontroller 24 and the HVAC controller 8 of the selected zone within thepredetermined loading period of time, screen 180 of FIG. 14C may bedisplayed. In some cases, the predetermined loading period of time maybe on the order of seconds or minutes, depending on the installation andHVAC controller. In one example case, the predetermined loading periodof time may be about 7 second. Additionally, in some cases, any holdand/or auto information, which will be discussed below, may be removedfrom the touch screen display 42 when the new zone is loading on theHVAC remote controller 24, if desired. Screen 72 of FIG. 4D may besimilar to screen 56 shown in FIG. 4A, except that the room indicator 64may correspond to a different zone of the building or other structure.For example, “LIVING ROOM” was displayed on screen 56 and “BEDROOM 1” isdisplayed on screen 72.

In some cases, the HVAC remote controller 24 may automatically select acorresponding zone, as the HVAC remote controller 24 is carried throughthe building or other structure. For example, the HVAC remote controller24 may include a signal strength indicator that measures the signalstrength from each of the identified HVAC zone controllers 8. The HVACremote controller 24 may then automatically select the HVAC zonecontroller 8 that produces the highest signal strength. Alternatively,or in addition, each zone may include a zone ID device that, when theHVAC remote controller 24 is in the proximity of a zone ID device, thezone ID device informs the HVAC remote controller 24 which zone that theHVAC remote controller 24 is currently in. The HVAC remote controller 24may then automatically select the appropriate zone.

Once the parameters for the currently selected zone have been loaded,the user may alter the settings for the zone via the user interface ofthe HVAC remote control unit. The one or more changed parameters and/orsettings may then be sent to the zoned HVAC system via the wirelessinterface, wherein the zoned HVAC system may subsequently operate inaccordance with the one or more changed parameters and/or settings inthe selected zone. In some instances, the parameters and/or settings maybe loaded from and sent to one or more wall mounted thermostats, ifdesired. The HVAC remote control unit may be configured to automaticallydetect and establish communication with each of two or more wall mountedthermostats either simultaneously, sequentially or by user selection, ifdesired.

In some instances, the HVAC remote control unit may be configured todynamically change its behavior based on whether it detects a non-zonedor a zoned HVAC system. For example, if a non-zoned HVAC system isdetected, the HVAC remote control unit may not display HVAC zonenavigation area 58, and may control the HVAC system in accordance withan algorithm for a non-zoned HVAC system. Likewise, if a zoned HVACsystem is detected, the HVAC remote control unit may display HVAC zonenavigation area 58, and may control the HVAC system in accordance withan algorithm for a zoned HVAC system. In some cases, and for zoned HVACsystems, the behavior of the HVAC remote control unit may automaticallychange depending on the number of wireless thermostats that aredetected. For example, the HVAC remote control unit may allow a user tonavigate to each of the detected zones via HVAC zone navigation area 58,and may use an appropriate control algorithm (e.g. 2 zone algorithm, 3zone algorithm, 4 zone algorithm, etc.) depending on the number ofdetected zones.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view showing a screen 74 that may be displayed onthe illustrative HVAC remote controller 24 touch screen display 42.Screen 74 may be displayed as a home screen for the HVAC remotecontroller 24 when, for example, the HVAC remote controller 24 isoperatively coupled to a non-programmable HVAC controller in a non-zonedHVAC system. As illustrated, screen 74 may provide HVAC operationalstatus, such as, the current inside temperature 48, the current outsidetemperature 46, the current heat and/or cool set point 50, the currentoperational status of the HVAC controller (e.g. heat 32, cool 34, andoff 36), and the device whose temperature sensor is currentlycontrolling the HVAC controller (e.g. thermostat 38, this device 40). Asdescribed above, screen 74 may include a bold outline and/or dot toindicate the current operational status and/or device controlling thecomfort level of the building. In the illustrative diagram, icon 32 hasa bold outline and dot indicating that the HVAC controller 8 iscurrently in heat mode, and icon 38 has a bold outline and dotindicating that the temperature sensor of the HVAC controller 8 (e.g.Thermostat) is currently being used to control the comfort level of thebuilding or other structure. Although not expressly shown, it iscontemplated that screen 74 may include the current time and/or otherparameters if the HVAC controller 8 or other device in wirelesscommunication with the HVAC remote controller 24 supports suchparameters.

FIG. 6A is a pictorial view showing an illustrative screen 76 that maybe displayed on the illustrative HVAC remote controller touch screendisplay 42 when the HVAC remote controller 24 detects a low batterycondition. In the illustrative embodiment, the HVAC remote controller 24is a portable hand held device, and may be powered by one or more localpower sources such as batteries. If the control module 12 of the HVACremote controller 10 detects that the battery is getting low, such as,for example, providing a voltage that is below a threshold voltage, theHVAC controller 10 may display screen 76. As illustrated, screen 76 maybe similar to screens discussed previously with the addition of a lowbattery indicator 78. In some cases, the low battery indicator 78 may bedisplayed when the battery level is below a low battery threshold level.In some cases, the low battery threshold level may be 10%, 15%, 20%,25%, 30%, or 50% of the battery life remaining. However, it iscontemplated that any suitable low battery threshold may be used, asdesired. As illustrated, the low battery indicator 78 displays the text“Replace Battery” on the touch screen display 42. However, it iscontemplated that a battery icon may be displayed or any other suitablelow battery indicator may be displayed, as desired. In some cases, thelow battery indicator 78 may flash on and off at a rate, such as, forexample, a rate of one second.

In some cases, when the battery level detected by the HVAC remotecontroller 24 decreases to or past a critical low battery thresholdlevel, screen 80 of FIG. 6B may be displayed on the touch screen display42 of the HVAC remote controller 24. In the illustrative screen 80, all(or at least some) of the displayed parameters and information may beremoved from the touch screen display with the exception of the lowbattery indicator 78. In some cases, the low batter indicator 78 mayflash, but this is not required. In some cases, the critical low batterythreshold may be 2%, 5%, 7%, 10% of remaining battery life, or any othersuitable remaining battery life less than the low battery thresholddiscussed with reference to FIG. 6A, as desired.

FIGS. 7A-7D are pictorial views showing illustrative screens that may bedisplayed on the HVAC remote controller touch screen display 42 tochange which temperature sensor is currently being used to control thecomfort level of the building or other structure. Referring to FIG. 7A,the screen 82 displayed on the touch screen display 42 may be similar tohome screens discussed previously, such as, for example, screen 30 ofFIG. 3A. As illustrated, screen 82 includes an icon 38 for indicatingwhen a temperature sensor of the HVAC controller 8 is controlling thecomfort level of the building, and an icon 40 for indicating when thetemperature sensor of the HVAC remote controller 14 (shown in FIG. 1) iscontrolling the comfort level of the building. To indicate which deviceis currently controlling, the icon corresponding to the controllingdevice may include a bold outline, as illustrated by bold outline aroundicon 40, and/or a dot within the icon, or may include a differentborder, may be highlighted, grayed out or otherwise visually indicated,as desired. In some cases, a user may touch the area of the touch screendisplay 42 corresponding to icon 38 or 40 to manually select and switchwhich device's temperature sensor is controlling the comfort level ofthe building.

In some cases, the HVAC controller 8 and/or HVAC remote controller 24may include a control algorithm that automatically switches control fromone device to the other. For example, if the temperature sensed by thetemperature sensor of the HVAC remote controller 24 differs from thetemperature sensor of the HVAC controller 8 by more than a thresholdamount and/or for a threshold period of time, control may automaticallyswitch from the HVAC remote controller 24 to the HVAC controller 8. Sucha temperature differential may occur when, for example, the user isholding the HVAC remote controller 24 in his/her hand, when the HVACremote controller 24 is set down next to an open door or window, setdown outside, and/or set down in direct sun light. This is just oneexamples of when control may automatically switch from the HVAC remotecontroller 24 to the HVAC controller 8. Others are also contemplated,including those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/948,971filed on Nov. 30, 2007, and entitled “BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM WITHREMOTE CONTROL UNIT AND METHODS OF OPERATION”, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A by the bold outline around icon 40 and the dotwithin icon 40, the temperature sensor of the HVAC remote controller 24is currently being used to control the comfort level of the building orother structure. When a user touches the touch screen display 42adjacent to icon 38, the temperature control may be switched to use thetemperature sensor of the HVAC controller 8. In one example, after theuser has touched the touch screen display 42 to manually change control,and as shown in FIG. 7B, screen 84 may be displayed. Screen 84 may showa loading progress bar 86 and icon 38, indicating that control is beingswitched to the HVAC controller 8. A data exchange between the HVACcontroller 12 and the HVAC remote controller 24 may take place duringthis time period.

In some cases, it may take a period of time for the HVAC remotecontroller 24 to wirelessly communicate with the HVAC controller 8 andupload and/or download updated data. The updated data can include anysuitable data including updated set points, updated sensed temperaturereadings, updated sensed humidity readings, updated system statusinformation, updated operational data and/or other data, as desired. Insome cases, this may take up to 20 seconds or more. In other cases,shorter transmit times are contemplated, including nearlyinstantaneously.

As indicated in FIG. 7C, when the HVAC remote controller 24 has uploadedthe operational information from the HVAC controller 8, the touch screendisplay 42 may display a screen 88, which is similar to screen 82 shownin FIG. 7A, but with icon 38 indicating that the temperature sensor ofthe HVAC controller 8 (e.g. thermostat) is now controlling instead ofthe temperature sensor of the HVAC remote controller 24 (e.g. thisdevice). Also, and in some cases, updated set point, sensed temperature,sensed humidity, system status and/or other data may also be displayed,if desired.

In some embodiments, when the user determines that control should beswitched back to the temperature sensor of the HVAC remote controller24, the user may touch the touch screen icon 40 to switch control backto the temperature sensor of the HVAC remote controller 24. Whenswitching control back to the temperature sensor of the HVAC remotecontroller 24, and as shown in FIG. 7D, a progress bar 86 and icon 40may be displayed on the screen 90, in a manner similar to that describedabove.

In some cases, the HVAC remote controller 24 may include a predeterminedtimeout period where, if the HVAC remote controller 24 is unable toestablish wireless communication with a HVAC controller 8, the HVACremote controller 24 may display a “No Signal” screen, similar to screen174 of FIG. 14A. In some cases, the predetermined timeout period may be5, 10, 20, 30, 60 seconds, or any other suitable time period, asdesired. In one example, the predetermined timeout period may be about 7seconds. In some cases, when changing between screens 82, 84, 86, and 90or while attempting to establish wireless communication, the touchscreen display 42 may not register any touches by a user, but this isnot required.

FIGS. 8A-8E are pictorial views showing illustrative screens that may bedisplayed on the illustrative HVAC remote controller touch screendisplay 42 to change the heat and/or cool set point 50 and/or to programa temperature hold. In some embodiment, such as, for example, anon-programmable thermostat, the user may not be able to initiate atemperature hold with the HVAC remote controller 24.

For those HVAC controllers that do allow hold operations, and referringto FIG. 8A, touch screen display 42 may display screen 92 when the touchscreen display 42 detects a touch corresponding to the up or down arrowof the current heat and/or cool set point 50 in, for example, a homescreen such as home screen 30 (see FIG. 3A). As illustrated, the usermay adjust the heat and/or cool set point 50 by touching the up arrowand/or down arrow on the touch screen display 42. As illustrated, theset point may increase or decrease by one degree when a touch isdetected. For example, the screen 92 displays a set point temperature of79 degrees, which is one degree higher than, for example, the set pointof 78 degrees shown for the home screen 30 in FIG. 3A. In this example,the user may have touched the touch screen display 42 adjacent to the uparrow of the current heat and/or cool set point 50 one time.

As illustrated, screen 92 may provide a hold display region 94 when theset point is adjusted. In some cases, a temperature hold may beinitiated by a user to maintain a desired hold temperature set point fora period of time, regardless of the current set point of a previouslyprogrammed temperature schedule. As shown, the hold display region 94may include a border defining the region, but this is not required. Theillustrative hold display region 94 may include a “hold until” displaywith a time indicating the time at which the hold temperature shouldend. For example, as illustrated, the hold time may end at 10:00 AM. Theuser may be able to adjust the hold end time by touching the touchscreen display 42 adjacent to icon 100, which may include an up arrowfor increasing the time, or by touching the touch screen display 42adjacent to icon 102, which may be a down arrow for decreasing the time.If, for example, the user touches the touch screen display 42 adjacentto icon 100, screen 108 shown in FIG. 8B may be displayed. Asillustrated, the hold until time has changed from 10:00 AM to 10:15 AM.The user may continue to adjust the hold time until a desired hold endtime is displayed. As illustrated, the hold end time may be changed in15 minute increments, however, this is merely illustrative and any timeincrements may be used, as desired.

Referring to both screen 92 and 108 of FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively,icons 96 and 98 may be provided in the hold display region 94. Icon 96may be a done icon that may set or program the hold operation in theHVAC remote controller 8. In some cases, the hold operation may beproperly setup when the user touches the done icon 96, and/or whenscreens 92 or 108 timeout when touch screen display 42 does not detect atouch within a period of time. In some cases, the period of time for thetimeout may be on the order of seconds, such as, for example, three,four, five, ten, or more seconds, or on the order of minutes. However,it is contemplated that any other suitable timeout may be used, asdesired. In some cases, if a hold operation is properly setup, the holdoperation may be communicated to a corresponding HVAC controller 8,which may then control the corresponding HVAC components 2 accordingly.Icon 98 may be used to cancel the hold operation request and return to,for example, the home screen 30 of FIG. 3A.

If a hold operation has been properly setup, the screen 110 of FIG. 8Cmay be displayed. In the illustrative embodiment, screen 110 may besimilar to screens 92 and 108 with the difference of having icons 96,100, 102, and 104 removed from the touch screen display 42. However, insome cases, if a user desires to see the hold options provided by icons96, 100, 102, and 104, the HVAC remote controller 24 may be configuredto display the hold options when a touch is sensed by the touch screendisplay 42. In some cases, the detected touch may need to be in the holddisplay region 94, but this is not required.

The temperature hold operation may expire when the HVAC remotecontroller 24 and/or HVAC controller 8 determines that the current timeis the same as the “hold until” time. In this case, when the holdoperation expires, the HVAC remote controller 24 may return to itspreviously programmed settings and/or schedule. In some cases, this maycause the touch screen display 42 to display the appropriate homescreen, such as, for example, home screen 30 of FIG. 3A.

In some cases, and referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an icon 104corresponding to a permanent hold may be provided. In some cases, atouch of icon 104 may set a permanent temperature hold of the HVACremote controller 24 and/or HVAC controller 8. In some cases, apermanent hold may set the heat and/or cool set point 50 to a settemperature until the user manually cancels or terminates the permanenthold operation. In this case, the permanent temperature hold may notinclude the time element (e.g. an end time) of the previously describedtemporary hold operation.

When a touch is detected on the touch screen display 42 corresponding toicon 104 (permanent hold button on screens 92 and 108), the HVAC remotecontroller 24 may display touch screen 112, shown in FIG. 8D. Asillustrated, hold display region 94 displays icon 98 corresponding to acancel button. A touch of icon 98 may cancel the permanent holdoperation. Also, instead of the “hold until” time 106 as discussedabove, the current time 44 may be displayed along with a permanent holdindicator 107 in the hold display region 94. In the illustrativediagram, the permanent hold indicator 107 includes the text “PERM.HOLD”. However, it is contemplated that any suitable indicator may beused, as desired.

In some illustrative embodiments, when the user touches one or moreicons shown in screen 112, the user may modify the current permanenthold set points and/or other options. In order to exit the permanenthold, the user may touch the touch screen display 42 adjacent to the“CANCEL” icon 98. In some cases, this ends the permanent hold operationand returns the touch screen display 42 to a home screen, such as, forexample, home screen 30 of FIG. 3A.

During the permanent hold operation, if the user desires to switch theoperational status or mode of the HVAC controller from heat to cool (orvisa-versa), the user may touch the touch screen display 42 adjacent tothe cool icon 34. When the user switches the operational status of theHVAC controller, the HVAC controller may switch its operational statusto the cool mode, indicated by the bold outlined icon 34 and dot withinicon 34 shown in screen 114 of FIG. 8E, but may retain the permanenthold set point and/or other settings. However, it is contemplated thatthe permanent hold may be canceled and/or terminated when the userchanges the operational status of the HVAC controller 8, if desired.

FIGS. 9A-9E are pictorial views showing illustrative screens that may bedisplayed on the touch screen display 42 of an illustrative HVAC remotecontroller 24, including a screen lock indicator. In some embodiment,the illustrative HVAC remote controller 24 can be configured to lock andunlock the touch screen display 42 (or portions thereof) to help reducethe chance of accidental changes to the operation and/or settings of theHVAC remote controller 24 and/or HVAC controller 8. In some instances,the HVAC remote controller 24 may include a setup menu routine, as willbe discussed below with reference to FIGS. 15D-15G, which may include anoption to enable or disable such a screen lock function.

As illustrated in FIG. 9A, screen 116 may include the current insidetemperature 48, the current outside temperature 46, the current time 44,the current heat and/or cool set point 50, the current operationalstatus of the HVAC controller (e.g. heat 32, cool 34, and off 36), andthe current device used for controlling the temperature of the HVACcomfort control system (e.g. HVAC controller icon 38, or this deviceicon 40). In addition, in the illustrative embodiment, screen 116 mayinclude an icon 118 indicating that the screen is currently unlocked. Inthe illustrative example, icon 118 includes the text “SCREEN UNLOCK”.However, it is contemplated that any suitable icon or indicator thatindicates that the screen is currently unlocked may be used, such as,for example, a graphical image of a lock in the unlocked position. Tolock the touch screen display 42, a user may touch icon 118. In somecases, the HVAC remote controller 24 may be configured to requirecontinuous touching of the icon 118 for a period of time, such as, forexample, 3 seconds to lock the display. In another case, the HVACcontroller may be configured to lock the touch screen display upondetection of the user touching icon 118 and, in some cases, the HVACcontroller 8 may wait a period of time before locking the touch screendisplay 42, such as, for example, one second, two seconds, threeseconds, four seconds, five seconds, ten seconds, or any other suitableperiod of time, as desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, when the HVAC remote controller locks thetouch screen display 42, icon 118 may be replaced by icon 132, which mayinclude the text “SCREEN LOCKED” or some other suitable indicator, suchas, for example, a graphical image of a lock in a locked position. Atthe same time that icon 132 appears, screen 120 may include the text“SCREEN LOCKED” 122 on a portion of the display, such as the lowerportion of the display. In some cases, the illustrative screen 120 mayonly be displayed for a relatively short period of time, on the order ofseconds, after the HVAC controller locks the screen. In some instances,screen 120 may only be shown on the touch screen display 42 when theHVAC remote controller 24 is configured to require a continuous touchingfor a period of time, but this is not required.

After displaying screen 120 of FIG. 9B for a period of time, touchscreen display 42 may display screen 124 shown in FIG. 9C in theillustrative embodiment. Screen 124 is similar to screen 116 of FIG. 9A,except that screen unlocked icon 118 is replaced by screen locked icon132. In the illustrative embodiment, when the touch screen display 42 islocked, the touch screen display 42 may not register any user touches,except to unlock the touch screen display 42. The screen may be unlockedby, for example, touching the screen locked icon 132 and, in some cases,holding the screen locked icon 132 for a period of time. In one example,the period of time may be 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 seconds. However, anysuitable period of time may be used, as desired. In another example, thescreen may be unlocked by simultaneously touching two different regionsof the display 42 for a period of time, such as two corners of thedisplay. In yet another example, the display may include an interfacethat allows a user to enter a password, and the screen is unlocked oncean appropriate password has been entered. These are just a few examplesof how the screen can be unlocked.

In some cases, if any other region of touch screen display 42 is touchedwhen the touch screen display 42 is locked, the screen locked icon 132may flash once or a number of times at a rate. In some cases, theflashing rate may be one-half a second, one second, or any other flashrate, as desired. In some cases, the “SCREEN LOCKED” text of screen 120may be displayed, and may also flash.

As illustrated in FIG. 9D showing screen 126, when the touch screendisplay 42 is unlocked, screen locked icon 132 may be replaced by screenunlocked icon 118. In some cases, “SCREEN UNLOCKED” may be provided on aportion of the touch screen display 42, such as a lower portion of thedisplay 42. In some cases, the illustrative screen 126 may only bedisplayed for a relatively short period of time, on the order ofseconds, when the HVAC remote controller 24 first unlocks the screen.Once the touch screen display 42 is unlocked, screen 130 shown in FIG.9E may be displayed. In the illustrative embodiment, screen 130 may bethe same as screen 116 of FIG. 9A, but this is not required in allembodiments.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are pictorial views showing illustrative vacation holdscreens 134 and 140 that may be displayed on the touch screen display 42of an illustrative HVAC remote controller 24. FIG. 10A is anillustrative screen 134 that may be displayed when a vacation hold isset when the HVAC controller 8 is operating in heat mode. In some cases,the vacation hold may only be programmed through the HVAC controller 8,and the touch screen display 42 of the HVAC remote controller 24 onlydisplays the status of the HVAC controller 8. However, it iscontemplated that in some cases, the vacation hold may be programmed viathe HVAC remote controller 24, similar to the temperature hold and/orpermanent temperature hold operations discussed above.

As illustrated, screen 134 may show the current inside temperature 48,the current outside temperature 46, the current time 44, the currentheat set point without up or down arrows 136, the current operationalstatus of the HVAC controller (e.g. heat 32, cool 34, and off 36), andthe current device used for controlling the temperature of the HVACcomfort control system. In the illustrative embodiment, only the currentoperational status icon is displayed (e.g. heat mode 32), and not theother unselected options (cool mode, off mode). For example, when theHVAC controller is in heat mode, only icon 32 is displayed, and when theHVAC controller is in cool mode, as shown in FIG. 10B, only icon 34 isdisplayed. However, this is merely illustrative and is not meant to belimiting in any manner. Similarly, screen 134 may only display the iconfor the device that is currently controlling the temperature of thebuilding, such as, for example, icon 38 when the temperature sensor ofthe HVAC controller 8 (e.g. thermostat) is controlling. A vacationindicator 138 may also be displayed, indicating that the HVAC controller8 is in vacation hold mode. In one example, as illustrated, “VACATIONHOLD” may be displayed on at least a portion of the touch screen display42, such as a lower portion of the display 42. However, it iscontemplated that any suitable indicator may be used at any suitablelocation, when provided. FIG. 10B shows an illustrative screen 140 thatmay be displayed when a vacation hold is set with the HVAC controller 8in cool mode. Screen 140 is similar to screen 134 of FIG. 10A, exceptthe cool icon 34 is shown instead of heat icon 32.

FIGS. 11A-11N are pictorial views showing illustrative screens that maybe displayed on an illustrative HVAC remote controller touch screendisplay 42 for setting/changing an auto mode of the HVAC controller 8and/or HVAC remote controller 24. In the illustrative embodiment, thetouch screen display 42 may include the current time 44, the currentoutdoor temperature 46, the current inside temperature 48, the currenthead and/or cool set point 50, and the current device used to controlthe temperature of the comfort control system. In addition, when in automode, heat mode icon 32 and cool mode icon 34 may be displayed with“AUTO” text above the icons 32 and 34 as shown. In some cases, the automode may be entered via the HVAC remote controller 24 by detecting atouch of the touch screen display 42 corresponding to both the heat icon32 and the cool icon 34 for a period of time. The period of time may beone second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds, five seconds, orany other suitable time period, as desired. To exit the auto mode, theuser may touch the touch screen display 42 corresponding to both theheat icon 32 and cool icon 34 for the period of time. Alternatively, itis contemplated that a separate “auto” mode icon (not shown) may beprovided on the display, which when touched, switches to the auto mode.When the auto mode is exited, the touch screen display 42 may display ahome screen, such as, for example, home screen 30 shown in FIG. 3A.

When in auto mode, the user may view the set points 50 of both the heatand cool modes. As illustrated on screen 142 of FIG. 11A, the user mayview the heat set points. To view the cool set points, the user maytouch the touch screen display 42 adjacent to the cool icon 34. Then,screen 146 shown in FIG. 11B may be displayed on the touch screendisplay 42. As illustrated, the current outdoor temperature 46, thecurrent indoor temperature 48, and the current cool set point 50 may bedisplayed on screen 146. In some cases, icon 34 may include a boldoutline even though the HVAC remote controller is in heat mode. The heatmode may be indicated by the dot that remains within heat mode icon 32.After a period of time, touch screen display 42 may display screen 148of FIG. 11C, which is similar to screen 142 if FIG. 11A showing thecurrent heat set point 50.

FIG. 11D is a pictorial view showing a screen 150 that can be displayedon the touch screen display 42 to change the current set point 50 whilein auto mode. To enter screen 150 for changing the current set point 50,the touch screen display 42 may monitor the touch screen adjacent to thecurrent set point 50 for a touch. When a touch is detected adjacent tothe current set point 50, hold display region 94 may be displayed,similar to that discussed above with reference to FIG. 8A. Asillustrated, hold display region 94 may include a hold until time 106, adone icon 96, a cancel icon 98, an up arrow icon 100, a down arrow icon102, and a permanent hold icon 106. Using the hold display region 94,the user may adjust the hold settings, such as, for example, the holduntil time, set a permanent hold, or the user may continue to adjust theset point 50. When the desired hold setting is displayed, the user maytouch the touch screen adjacent to the done icon 96 or may wait untilthe touch screen display 42 times out. When a temporary hold operationis properly setup, screen 152 shown in FIG. 11E may be displayed. Tocancel the hold operation either during programming or after it is hasbeen setup, cancel icon 98 may be touched to return the touch screendisplay 42 to show, for example, screen 142 of FIG. 11A.

FIGS. 11F-11K are pictorial views showing illustrative screens forchanging the cool set point and/or other settings when the HVACcontroller 8 is in auto-heat mode. Screen 154 shown in FIG. 11F may bedisplayed on the touch screen display 42 when, from screen 152 of FIG.11E, the touch screen display 42 is touched adjacent to the cool icon34. As illustrated, screen 154 shows the current set points and/or othersettings of the cool mode, similar to screen 146 of FIG. 11B, with theaddition of the hold display region 94. To adjust the cool set point,the user may touch the touch screen corresponding to either the up arrowor down arrow of cool set point 50. When the HVAC remote controller 24detects a touch, screen 156 shown in FIG. 11G may be displayed on thetouch screen display 42. While screen 156 is displayed, the cool setpoint 50 may be adjusted to a desired set point. Screen 156 may beremoved from the touch screen display by detecting a touch of the touchscreen 42 corresponding to icon 96 (DONE) or if no touch is detected onthe touch screen display 42 and the HVAC remote controller 24 timeoutperiod expires.

When a temporary hold operation has been properly setup, screen 158shown in FIG. 11H may be displayed on touch screen display 42. Asillustrated, screen 158 may be similar to screen 154 of FIG. 11F,showing the cool set point and/or other settings, but with the modifiedcool set point temperature 50. After a period of time, if no touches aredetected on the touch screen display 42, the screen may timeout after aperiod of time. However, if the cool set point 50 is not at a desiredset point, a touch of the up arrow and/or down arrow may return toscreen 156 of FIG. 11G to allow for further changes.

If the timeout period for screen 158 expires, then screen 160 of FIG.11I may be displayed on the touch screen display 42. The illustrativescreen 160 may display the heat mode and current settings of the HVACremote controller 24, similar to screen 152 of FIG. 11E. When the touchscreen display 42 switches to screen 160, at the same time, the HVACremote controller 24 may communicate with the one or more HVACcontrollers 8 to upload and/or download current HVAC controller settingsand/or parameters. In some cases, this data transfer may last seconds orminutes. When the data transfer is complete, touch screen display 42 maydisplay screen 162, shown in FIG. 11J, illustrating the current coolsettings. After a timeout period, screen 164 shown in FIG. 11K may bedisplayed. As illustrated, screen 164 may be the same as screen 160showing the current mode and settings of the HVAC remote controller.

FIGS. 11L-11N are illustrative screens showing the HVAC remotecontroller 24 requesting cool mode set points from an HVAC controller 8when in heat mode. As illustrated in screen 190, and as shown in FIG.11L, the HVAC controller 8 may be set in auto heat mode, as indicated by“AUTO” 144 and the bold outline and dot of icon 32. Additionally, theheat set point may have been adjusted, as indicated by the hold displayregion 94. When the HVAC controller detects a touch of the touch screendisplay 42 adjacent to cool icon 34, screen 192 shown in FIG. 11M may bedisplayed on touch screen display 42.

In some cases, screen 192 may include a loading bar 86 indicating thatthe HVAC remote controller 24 is attempting to communicate with the HVACcontroller 8. In some cases, this communication may be to upload and/ordownload cool mode set points, parameters, and/or other settings. Insome cases, the communication may last for seconds or for minutes,depending on the application. When the cool set point information and/orother settings are uploaded to the HVAC remote controller 24, screen 194shown in FIG. 11N may be displayed on touch screen display 42.

FIG. 12 is pictorial view showing illustrative emergency (EM) heat modescreens 168 that may be displayed on the touch screen display 42 of anillustrative HVAC remote controller 24. In some cases, an emergency heatmode may activate a second heat stage, or backup or supplementalheating, when a heat pump (or other heat source) is unable to providesufficient heating to the building or other structure. In some cases,the EM heat mode may only be programmed through the HVAC controller 8and, in this case, the touch screen display 42 of the HVAC remotecontroller 24 may only display the status of the HVAC controller 8.Additionally, in some cases, EM heat mode may only be exited via theHVAC controller 8. However, it is contemplated that, in some cases, theEM heat mode may be entered and exited via the HVAC remote controller24, if desired.

As illustrated, when the HVAC controller 8 is in EM heat mode, screen168 may include the current inside temperature 48, the current outsidetemperature 46, the current time 44, the current heat and/or cool setpoint 50, and the current device used for control of the HVAC comfortcontrol system (e.g. HVAC controller icon 38, or HVAC remote controllericon 40). In the illustrative embodiment, instead of the foregoingdescribed operational status icons 32, 34, and 36, icon 167 may bedisplayed indicating that the HVAC controller is in EM heat mode.

FIG. 13 is pictorial view showing an illustrative “southern away” holdscreen 170 that may be displayed on the touch screen display 42 of anillustrative HVAC remote controller 24. In some cases, a southern awayhold may be an extended hold that may provide appropriate heating orcooling to, for example, maintain the temperature and/or humidity levelsbelow threshold values, as desired. This may help prevent excessive heatand/or moisture to buildup in a building or other structure, such aswhen the occupants of the house are away for an extended period of time.In some cases, a southern away hold may only be programmed and/orentered through the HVAC controller 8 and, in this case, the touchscreen display 42 of the HVAC remote controller 24 may only display thestatus of the HVAC controller 8. Additionally, in some cases, southernaway hold may only be exited via the HVAC controller 8. However, it iscontemplated that, in some cases, a southern away hold may be enteredand exited via the HVAC remote controller 24, such as, for example,similar to the temporary hold and permanent temperature hold operationsdiscussed previously.

As illustrated, when the HVAC controller is in southern away hold,screen 170 of FIG. 13 may include the current inside temperature 48, thecurrent outside temperature 46, the current time 44, the current heatand/or cool set point 50, the current device used for control of theHVAC comfort control system (e.g. HVAC controller icon 38, or HVACremote controller icon 40), and the current operational status icon. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the operational status of the HVACcontroller 8 may be in the cool mode when in the southern away hold and,as such, screen 170 may include cool mode icon 34. As illustrated, thetouch screen display 42 may also include a southern away indicator 172on at least a portion of the touch screen display 42, such as a lowerportion of the display 42. In the illustrated example, the southern awayindicator may include the text “SOUTHERN AWAY”, but it is contemplatedthat any suitable indicator may be provided, as desired.

FIGS. 14A-14D are pictorial views showing illustrative no signal screensthat may be displayed on the touch screen display 42 of an illustrativeHVAC remote controller 24. In some cases, a “no signal” screen may bedisplayed when the HVAC remote controller 24 has failed to establishcommunication or has lost communication with one or more of the HVACcontrollers 8. FIGS. 14A and 14B show illustrative no signal screens 174and 178 that may be displayed on the illustrative HVAC remote controller24 touch screen display 42 when the HVAC remote controller is not in azoned HVAC system. As illustrated in FIG. 14A, when no signal ispresent, screen 174 may be empty with only a no signal indicator 176provided on a portion of the display. FIG. 14B shows no signal screen178, which may include the current time 44, the current outdoortemperature 46, the current inside temperature 48, and the currentdevice controlling the comfort level in the building or other structure(e.g. icon 38). However, each of the current time 44, current outdoortemperature 46 and current inside temperature 48 may be blank or havedashed lines instead of the appropriate value, especially if currentvalues are not available to the HVAC remote controller 24 via thewireless interface.

In some cases, either no signal screen 174 of FIG. 14A or no signalscreen 178 of FIG. 14B may be provided when the HVAC remote controller24 is unable to establish communication with the HVAC controller 8.Alternatively, in some cases, the HVAC remote controller 24 may togglebetween screens 174 and 178 on the touch screen display 42. In somecases, the toggle rate may be 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or any suitable rate of time, as desired.

FIGS. 14C and 14D show illustrative no signal screens 180 and 188 thatmay be displayed on the illustrative HVAC remote controller 24 touchscreen display 42 when the HVAC remote controller 8 is connected to azoned HVAC system. As illustrated in FIGS. 14C and 14D, when no signalis present, screen 174 may include the current time 44, the currentoutdoor temperature 46, and the current inside temperature 48. However,each of the current time 44, current outdoor temperature 46, and currentinside temperature 48 may be blank or have dashed lines appearinginstead of the appropriate data value. As illustrated in FIGS. 14C and14D, a pair of icons 184 and 186 may be provided in at least a portionof the touch screen display 42. Icons 184 and 186 may be arrows thatallow a user to scroll through the available zones of the HVAC system,as discussed previously. In screen 180 of FIG. 14C, “NO SIGNAL” may beprovided between icons 184 and 186 at region 182. In some cases, and asshown in FIG. 14D, the current zone may be displayed in region 182 ofthe touch screen display 42. For example, as illustrated, “BEDROOM 1”may be displayed at region 182. However, any suitable zone as discussedpreviously may be displayed at region 182, as desired.

In some cases, either no signal screen 180 of FIG. 14C or no signalscreen 188 of FIG. 14D may be provided when the HVAC remote controlleris unable to establish communication with a corresponding zoned HVACcontroller 8. Alternatively, and in some cases, the HVAC remotecontroller 24 may toggle between the screens 180 and 188 on the touchscreen display 42. In some cases, the toggle rate may be one second, twoseconds, five seconds, ten seconds, thirty seconds, one minute, or anysuitable rate of time, as desired. In some embodiments, if the usertouches icons 184 and/or 186 to select a different zone in the HVACsystem, and the HVAC remote controller 24 can establish communicationwith the corresponding HVAC controller 8, then neither of the no signalscreens 180 and 188 may be displayed for the selected zone.

FIGS. 15A-15P are pictorial views of illustrative screens that may bedisplayed on the touch screen display 42 of an illustrative HVAC remotecontroller 24. In the illustrative embodiment, FIGS. 15A-15P may providea series of screens, typically accesses sequentially, that help set upthe HVAC remote controller 24. In some cases, the series of screens areat a common menu level rather than a sub-menu. It is contemplated thatthe illustrative screens may provide an easily navigatable menuincluding readable words to indicate the menu settings and/or availableoptions as well as the current settings.

The HVAC remote controller 24 may be configured to have a variety ofoptions or settings that can be initially setup by an installer or otheruser. These options or settings can include, for example, a screen lockfeature, a button click feature, a low backlight feature, a temperatureoffset, a number of zones setting, as well as other features and/orsettings.

As illustrated in FIG. 15A, an illustrative setup screen 196 may bedisplayed on the touch screen display 42. In the illustrative example,screen 196 may include a message center to display the type of screenthat is currently displayed. Screen 196 provides “SETUP MENU” 200 in themessage center. Adjacent to the message center is an icon 210, having adirectional arrow that can be used to navigate to the next screen. Also,icon 198, which may be a done icon, may be provided so that when thesetup is completed, the setup menu may be exited and a home screen maybe displayed.

In the illustrative embodiment, when the user selects icon 210 of FIG.15A, the touch screen display 42 may display screen 202 shown in FIG.15B. As illustrated, screen 202 may include “ADD A DEVICE” text 206 inthe message center under a “MENU” heading. In this case, two arrow icons208 and 210, left and right directional arrows, may be provided to allowthe user to navigate forward and backward through the sequential menustructure. For example, a touch of the touch screen 42 corresponding toicon 210 may navigate to the next screen, such as, for example, screen216 of FIG. 15D, and, a touch of the touch screen 42 corresponding toicon 208 may display the previous screen, or in this case, screen 196 ofFIG. 15A.

In addition, icon 204, corresponding to a “connect to device” command,may be provided on screen 202. When icon 204 is touched, the HVAC remotecontroller 24 may attempt to connect to a device such as an HVACcontroller 8 or other device. In some cases, during the connectionattempt, screen 212 of FIG. 15C may be displayed on the touch screendisplay 42 to indicate the attempt. As illustrated, screen 212 may be ablank screen with only “CONNECTING” 214 provided in the message center.Once the HVAC remote controller 24 connects to the device, screen 202may again displayed.

In some cases, the next menu screen, shown as screen 216 in FIG. 15D,may be displayed when icon 210 of screen 202 of FIG. 15B is touched. Asillustrated, screen 216 may include done icon 198, forward and backnavigation icons 208 and 210, and also “MANUAL LOCK” 222 in the messagecenter. In some cases, manual lock may activate a screen lock functionthat requires the user to hold the lock/unlock icons 118, as describedabove with respect to FIGS. 9A and 9D, to lock/unlock the screen. Asillustrated, screen 216 may also include an icon 218 for indicating thatmanual lock is to be set, and an icon 220 for indicating that manuallock is not to be set. In some cases, icon 218 may be a yes icon andicon 220 may be a no icon, but these labels are only illustrative. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the selected icon may include a boldoutline and/or a dot to indicate that it is selected. However, it iscontemplated that the selected icon may be designated in any suitablemanner. As illustrated, icon 220 is selected, indicating that the manuallock feature is not enabled. To enable the manual lock feature, icon 218may be touched. In this case, screen 224 shown in FIG. 15E may bedisplayed on the touch screen display 42. Screen 224 is the same asscreen 216 except that icon 218 includes a bold outline and dotindicating that the manual lock feature is now enabled.

If the user selects the next screen by touching icon 210 from screens216 or 224, screen 226 shown in FIG. 15F may be displayed. Asillustrated, screen 226 may include done icon 198, forward and backnavigation icons 208 and 210, and also “AUTOMATIC LOCK” 228 in themessage center. In some cases, the automatic lock feature mayautomatically lock the HVAC remote controller screen after a period ofinactivity by the user, and can be unlocked by, for example, touchingicon 118 as described above with respect to FIGS. 9A and 9D. In somecases, there may be a delay before the screen is locked and/or unlocked.

As shown on screen 226 of FIG. 15F, icon 220 includes a bold outline anddot indicating that the automatic locking feature is disabled.Conversely, in screen 230 of FIG. 15G, icon 218 includes a bold outlineand dot indicating that the automatic locking feature is enabled. Asdiscussed previously, the feature may be disabled or enabled bydetecting a touch of the touch screen corresponding to icons 218 or 220,as desired.

In some cases, if icon 208 is touched in either screen 226 or 230, theHVAC remote controller 24 may navigate back to screen 216 or 224,depending on whether the manual lock feature was enabled or disabled. Ificon 210 is touched in either screen 226 or 230, the HVAC remotecontroller 24 may navigate to the next screen, which in some cases, isscreen 232 shown in FIG. 15H. As illustrated in both screens 232 and 236of FIGS. 15H and 15I, done icon 198, navigation icons 208 and 210, yesicon 218, and no icon 220 may be displayed. In the illustrative screens232 and 236, “BUTTON CLICK” 234 may be displayed in the message center.In some cases, the button click feature may enable or disable a click orother sound to be emitted by the HVAC remote controller 24 when thetouch screen is touched and the corresponding input is accepted by theHVAC remote controller 24. This may help provide feedback to the userthat the input has been recognized by the HVAC remote controller 24. Asshown on screen 232 of FIG. 15H, icon 218 includes a bold outline anddot, which in the illustrative embodiment, indicates that the buttonclick feature is enabled. Conversely, in screen 236 of FIG. 15I, icon220 includes a bold outline and dot, which in the illustrativeembodiment, indicates that the button click feature is disabled. Thisfeature may be enabled or disabled by simply touching icon 218 or 220,respectively.

In the illustrative embodiment, if the HVAC remote controller 24 isadvanced to the next screen by touching icon 210 of FIG. 15H or 15I,screen 238 shown in FIG. 15J may be displayed. Screen 238 allows a userso configure a “LOW BACKLIGHT” feature of the HVAC remote controller 24.In screen 238, “LOW BACKLIGHT” 240 may be displayed in the messagecenter. As shown on screen 238, icon 220 includes a bold outline and dotindicating that the low backlight feature is disabled. Conversely, inscreen 242 of FIG. 15K, icon 218 includes a bold outline and dotindicating that the low backlight feature is enabled. As discussedpreviously, this feature may be enabled or disabled by simply touchingicons 218 or 220, respectively.

In the illustrative embodiment, if the HVAC remote controller 24 isadvanced to the next screen by touching icon 210 of FIG. 15J or 15K,screen 244 shown in FIG. 15L may be displayed. Screen 244 allows a userso configure a temperature offset feature of the HVAC remote controller24. The temperature offset feature may offset the temperature that isprovided on the display 42 relative to the temperature that is sensed bythe temperature sensor. In screen 244, the label “TEMP OFFSET” 248 maybe displayed in the message center. Screen 244 may also include acurrent temperature offset 246, which may be adjusted to increase and/ordecrease the temperature offset to a desired value.

In the illustrative embodiment, if the HVAC remote controller 24 isadvanced to the next screen by touching icon 210 of FIG. 15L, screen 254shown in FIG. 15M may be displayed. As illustrated, screen 254 of FIG.15M may include a done icon 198 and back and forward navigation icons208 and 210. In the illustrative screen 254, the message center maydisplay a list of zones connected to the HVAC remote controller 24, suchas, for example, “LIVING ROOM” 256, or any other suitable zone or zones,as discussed previously. In screen 254, icons 208 and 210 may toggle ornavigate through the list of connected zones for the HVAC remotecontroller 24. To remove a zone, remove icon 258 may be touched.

When remove icon 258 is touched, screen 260 of FIG. 15N may be displayedon the touch screen display 42. As illustrated, screen 260 may includeyes icon 218, no icon 220, and “ARE YOU SURE” 262 message displayed inthe message center. In screen 260, a user may reaffirm the removal ofthe selected zone by selecting yes icon 218, or the user may cancel theremoval by selecting no icon 220. If yes icon 218 is selected, screen264 shown in FIG. 15O may be temporarily displayed. As illustrated,screen 264 may identify the zone removed in the message center, which,in the illustrative example is “LIVING ROOM” 266 and may further includea remove indicator 268. After a period of time, screen 264 may timeoutand screen 254 of FIG. 15M may be displayed but with a different zoneidentified in message center 256. If the no icon 220 is selected inscreen 260, screen 254 may be displayed.

In the illustrative embodiment, when done icon 198 is selected from anyof the screens described previously, screen 250 of FIG. 15P may bedisplayed on the touch screen display 42. Screen 250 may display “SAVINGCHANGES” 252 in the message center. After a period of time, a homescreen may be displayed on the touch screen display 42.

The illustrative setup parameters and menus described above with respectto FIGS. 15A-15P are merely illustrative and are not meant to belimiting in any manner. It is contemplated that any suitable HVAC remotecontroller and/or HVAC controller feature, parameter, and/or setting maybe provided in a setup menu, as desired.

FIGS. 16A-16D are pictorial views of illustrative screens that may bedisplayed on the touch screen display 42 of an illustrative HVAC remotecontroller 24. In some cases, FIGS. 16A-16D may be the initial screensdisplayed when the HVAC remote controller is to be installed, or whenthe HVAC remote controller is removed from the box. As illustrated inFIG. 16A, screen 270 may be displayed on touch screen display 42. In theillustrative embodiment, the message center may provide “ADD A DEVICE”272 along with icon 274 for initializing an attempt to establishing aconnection with a device, such as an HVAC controller 8. When icon 274 istouched, screen 276 shown in FIG. 16B may be displayed on the touchscreen display 42. In some cases, screen 274 may be a blank screen with“CONNECTING” 278 provided in the message center, and in some cases, mayblink or otherwise provide an indication that the HVAC remote controlleris working. In some cases, though not illustrated, a status bar may beprovided if desired. After a period of time, if the HVAC remotecontroller is able to establish a connection with a device, screen 280shown in FIG. 16C may be displayed on the touch screen display 42. If noconnection is established, then screen 270, or, in some cases, thepreviously described no signal screens may be displayed, if desired.

As illustrated, screen 280 shown in FIG. 16C may be similar to screen270 with the addition of “DONE” icon 198. In some cases, a listing ofall currently connected devices can be displayed. From this screen,another device may be added to the HVAC remote controller 24 or thesetup may be finished. To add another device, icon 274 may again betouched, similar to that discussed above. To finish setup, the done icon198 may be touched, and then, screen 282 shown in FIG. 16D may bedisplayed on the touch screen display 42. Screen 282 may provide “SAVINGCHANGES” 284 in the message center. In the illustrative embodiment,screen 282 may be displayed on the touch screen display 42 for a periodof time and then, an appropriate home screen of the HVAC remotecontroller 24 may be displayed.

While many of the foregoing embodiments have been described withreference to the HVAC controller 8 and/or HVAC remote controller 24being in the heat mode or in the cool mode, this is not meant to belimiting in any manner. It is to be understood that the description withreference to the heat mode is equally applicable when the HVACcontroller 8 and/or HVAC remote controller 24 are in the cool mode, andthat the description with reference to cool mode is equally applicableto when the HVAC controller 8 and/or HVAC remote controller 24 are inthe heat mode.

Having thus described the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that yetother embodiments may be made and used within the scope of the claimshereto attached. Numerous advantages of the invention covered by thisdocument have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will beunderstood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respect, onlyillustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters ofshape, size, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of theinvention.

1. A portable wireless remote control unit for use in conjunction with azoned HVAC system having two or more zones, wherein each zone has one ormore associated parameters and/or settings, the wireless remote controlunit comprising: a wireless interface; a display; a controller incommunication with the wireless interface and the display, thecontroller configured to communicate with the zoned HVAC system via thewireless interface; the controller further configured to allow a user toselect between the two or more zones of the zoned HVAC system, and toload one or more of the parameters and/or settings associated with aselected zone via the wireless interface; the controller furtherconfigured to display at least one of the received parameters and/orsettings on the display; the controller further configured to allow auser to change one or more of the parameters and/or settings that aredisplayed on the display for the selected zone, and to send the one ormore changed parameters and/or settings to the zoned HVAC system via thewireless interface, wherein the zoned HVAC system subsequently operatesin accordance with the one or more changed parameters and/or settings inthe selected zone; and wherein the portable wireless remote control unitis configured to dynamically change its behavior based on whether itdetects a non-zoned or a zoned HVAC system by providing a selectionmechanism on the user interface of the portable wireless remote controlunit that allows a user to select, display and/or control one or more ofthe parameters and/or settings of two or more wall mounted thermostatswhen a zoned HVAC system is detected, and not providing the selectionmechanism when a non-zoned HVAC system is detected.
 2. The portablewireless remote control unit of claim 1, wherein one or more of the wallmounted thermostats include a wireless interface, wherein the wirelessinterface of the portable wireless remote control unit is configured tocommunicate with the wireless interface of the one or more wall mountedthermostats of the zoned HVAC system.
 3. The portable wireless remotecontrol unit of claim 2, wherein the one or more wall mountedthermostats store one or more parameters and/or settings associated withat least one of the two or more zones, and controls the zoned HVACsystem accordingly.
 4. The portable wireless remote control unit ofclaim 3, wherein the portable wireless remote control unit is configuredto load the one or more of the parameters and/or settings associatedwith the selected zone from the one or more wall mounted thermostats. 5.The portable wireless remote control unit of claim 1 further comprisinga temperature sensor coupled with the controller of the portablewireless remote control unit for providing a measure related to atemperature at the portable wireless remote control unit.
 6. Theportable wireless remote control unit of claim 1, wherein the two ormore wall mounted thermostats each have a wireless interface, whereinthe portable wireless remote control unit is configured to communicatewith the wireless interface of each of the two wall mounted thermostats.7. The portable wireless remote control unit of claim 1, wherein theportable wireless remote control unit is configured to automaticallydetect and establish communication with each of the two or more wallmounted thermostats either simultaneously, sequentially or by userselection.
 8. The portable wireless remote control unit of claim 1,wherein the display is an LCD display.
 9. The portable wireless remotecontrol unit of claim 1, wherein the display is a fixed segment display.10. The portable wireless remote control unit of claim 1, wherein thedisplay is a touch screen display.
 11. The portable wireless remotecontrol unit of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured todisplay a touch button on the display that allows a user to selectbetween the two or more zones of the zoned HVAC system.
 12. The portablewireless remote control unit of claim 11, wherein the touch button, whentouched, scrolls to a next one of the two or more zones.
 13. Theportable wireless remote control unit of claim 1, wherein the controlleris configured to display a name of the selected zone on the display. 14.The portable wireless remote control unit of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is configured to display a progress indicator on the displaywhen loading the one or more of the parameters and/or settingsassociated with the selected zone.
 15. A portable wireless remotecontrol unit for use in conjunction with a zoned HVAC system having twoor more zones, wherein each zone has one or more associated parametersand/or settings, the wireless remote control unit comprising: a wirelessinterface; a display; a controller in communication with the wirelessinterface and the display, the controller configured to communicate withthe zoned HVAC system via the wireless interface; the controller furtherconfigured to allow a user to select between the two or more zones ofthe zoned HVAC system, and to load one or more of the parameters and/orsettings associated with a selected zone via the wireless interface; thecontroller further configured to display at least one of the receivedparameters and/or settings on the display; and the controller furtherconfigured to allow a user to change one or more of the parametersand/or settings that are displayed on the display for the selected zone,and to send the one or more changed parameters and/or settings to thezoned HVAC system via the wireless interface, wherein the zoned HVACsystem subsequently operates in accordance with the one or more changedparameters and/or settings in the selected zone, wherein the zoned HVACsystem includes two or more wall mounted thermostats each having awireless interface, wherein the portable wireless remote control unit isconfigured to communicate with the wireless interface of each of the twowall mounted thermostats, wherein the portable wireless remote controlunit is configured to automatically detect and establish communicationwith each of the two or more wall mounted thermostats eithersimultaneously, sequentially or by user selection, wherein the portablewireless remote control unit is configured to dynamically change itsbehavior based on whether it detects a non-zoned or a zoned HVAC systemby automatically providing a selection mechanism on the user interfaceof the portable wireless remote control unit that allows a user toselect, display and/or control one or more of the parameters and/orsettings of two or more wall mounted thermostats when a zoned HVACsystem is detected, and not providing the selection mechanism when anon-zoned HVAC system is detected.